OTTOMAN IMPERIAL MOSQUES
Ottoman sultans and members of the dynasty commissioned numerous historic monuments, often in the form of külliye, vast complexes centered around a mosque and surrounded by various structures serving charitable and social purposes. These included madrasas (religious schools), kitchens and other buildings designed to provide services to the poor.
The largest külliyes date back to the 16th and 17th centuries, although mosques constructed during the 18th and 19th centuries are also of great historical importance. In the 15th century, following his conquest of Constantinople, Fatih Sultan Mehmed commissioned the construction of two grand mosques. Unfortunately, both of these original structures were later destroyed by earthquakes or fires and had to be rebuilt.
Mimar Sinan, the chief imperial architect for the Ottoman Empire for over 50 years, designed and oversaw the construction of many of Istanbul’s most iconic complexes. His architectural vision set the standard for subsequent architects of külliyes throughout the empire.
While Istanbul is home to some of the most famous Ottoman imperial mosques, many others can be found in cities across Turkey. Bursa, the first proper capital of the Ottoman Empire, is home to several historically significant religious structures. You will find other notable imperial mosques in Edirne, Konya, Amasya, Manisa and even in Damascus.
GRAND SELIMIYE MOSQUE
The Grand Selimiye Mosque is a destination for devoted enthusiasts of Ottoman history. Commissioned by Sultan Selim III as his imperial mosque, it reflects his ambition to leave a lasting mark on the city’s Ottoman heritage.
Prior to this, Selim III had already built the Teşvikiye Mosque in 1794 and completely reconstructed the Eyüp Sultan Mosque by 1800. Yet, he sought a more impressive legacy and chose to have his mosque erected deep within Üsküdar, right beside the Selimiye Barracks.
Eager to modernize the empire, Selim III launched an ambitious military reform. He established a new infantry corps composed of Turkish peasant youths from Anatolia. He created this unit, known as the Nizam-ı Cedid (“The New Order”), in 1787 in response to the declining effectiveness of the traditional devshirme system. However, despite his efforts, Selim III faced significant challenges in integrating this modernized force with the existing Ottoman military structure.
The Selimiye Barracks, constructed in 1803, were also part of Sultan Selim III’s wider efforts at military reform. However, his ambitions faced fierce resistance from the Janissaries. Viewing the Nizam-ı Cedid as a direct threat to their power and autonomy, they refused to serve alongside the newly formed troops. In 1812, the Janissaries burned the original barracks to the ground. Sultan Mahmud II later rebuilt them in 1828, this time in stone.
The construction of both the Selimiye Barracks and the Grand Selimiye Mosque was a deliberate move by Selim III. They symbolised and reinforced his vision of a modernized military order.
This historical context explains why the Grand Selimiye Mosque stands far removed from typical tourist routes. Visiting it requires a genuine effort and interest, which, in a way, is a blessing. The mosque is largely free of crowds. Outside of prayer times, you are likely to find it occupied only by a handful of worshippers. It offers a rare and peaceful glimpse into a living piece of Ottoman history.
Although the mosque was originally at the heart of a külliye, a larger complex that included a mektep (primary school), a muvakkithane (timekeeper’s house), a fountain and a hammam (bathhouse), today only the mosque itself remains relatively well-preserved. The Grand Selimiye Mosque remains as the enduring testament to Sultan Selim III’s original architectural vision.
It stands as a brilliant example of the Ottoman Baroque style, which dominated the architectural scene in the late 18th century. Characterized by its elaborate ornamentation, this style represented a fusion of traditional Ottoman forms with European Baroque influences. The Grand Selimiye Mosque captures this aesthetic beautifully.
SHOULD YOU GO TO SEE GRAND SELIMIYE MOSQUE?
As I mentioned earlier, if you have a passion for Ottoman history, architecture and art, you should visit this mosque. Although, reaching it requires some effort.
When I visited Üsküdar, I first explored the area around the port. Afterwards, I went to the Ayazma Mosque, another hidden Ottoman gem. From there, I walked to the Grand Selimiye Mosque, a journey that took about half an hour.
Considering that you must first cross over to the Asian side of Istanbul and then embark on a fairly long walk through the quieter streets of Üsküdar, it becomes clear why this mosque remains off the radar for most tourists. Yet, this relative isolation adds to its charm. You will be rewarded with an authentic, tranquil experience, far from the crowds of the city’s more popular attractions.
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